News Release

ROSEVILLE, Min. – The Highway 97 bridge over Interstate-35 in Columbus will close for bridge removal at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, weather permitting

Motorists will not have access to or from I-35 at Highway 97 during the closure. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour to the Broadway Avenue interchange for I-35 access.

Highway 97 will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12. Motorists will continue to use the north half of the new bridge over I-35 while the south side of the bridge is being constructed.

Additionally, I-35 traffic will be reduced to a single lane when approaching Highway 97 and will be diverted around the work zone by using the exit and entrance ramps at Highway 97 during the following times:

Traffic delays and backups are expected throughout the weekend. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

The work is part of the I-35 North Metro Split project, which includes resurfacing the existing pavement from the I-35W/I-35E split to Highway 8; replacing the Highway 97 bridge with a diverging diamond interchange; replacing the northbound I-35W bridge over I-35E and the westbound Highway 8 bridge over I-35. The project will provide a better ride quality, as well as improve safety and traffic flow at the Highway 97 interchange. Additional information is available at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35northmetrosplit.

Major construction for the project is expected to take place in 2018 and 2019. Motorists should anticipate long-term lane closures during each year of construction. Check 511 for real-time traffic updates at 511mn.org.